From May 19th to 23rd, Colombia hosted the 1st Transnational Meeting of the PlaceYour Project, a truly inspiring journey that brought together trainers, educators, mentors, and tourism experts from Spain, Mexico, Italy, Greece, Brazil, and Colombia.
The transnational meeting held in Medellín and the Antioquia region, marked a key step in the development of the PlaceYour project. The meeting aimed to strengthen the pedagogical foundations of the project through Project-Based Learning applied to circular tourism and place branding, while also advancing the shared vision of the emerging Place Branding Designer profile.
One of the main objectives of the meeting was to connect training with real territorial contexts. Through visits, dialogue with local stakeholders, and immersive field-based activities, participants explored how cultural heritage, biodiversity, local identity, community knowledge, and governance models can become essential assets for sustainable and circular tourism. This approach allowed the territory itself to become a living laboratory for learning, helping participants connect theory with practice.
By analyzing practical cases and engaging with local stakeholders, participants identified key competencies needed to design territorial strategies based on sustainability, cultural identity, and community participation. At the same time, the meeting strengthened cooperation among partner organizations and reinforced the connection between vocational education institutions, tourism stakeholders, and local communities, supporting the creation of innovative training pathways for sustainable territorial development.
Beyond the technical dimension, the meeting offered a strong cultural and intercultural experience. Encounters with local communities, heritage sites, and traditions gave participants a deeper understanding of how identity, memory, and community values shape the narrative of a place. These moments made the experience especially meaningful and reinforced the importance of authenticity in place branding processes.
Overall, the meeting in Colombia strengthened trainers’ capacities, enriched the project with practical territorial insights, reinforced international cooperation, and confirmed the value of combining education, community engagement, and cultural exchange to promote more sustainable and meaningful tourism strategies.
